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Virginia border tolls are urged
McDonnell announces transportation plan
Date published: 7/22/2009 BY CHELYEN DAVIS Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell wants to raise the interstate speed limit, put tolls on two interstates coming from North Carolina and sell off the state's liquor stores, putting the proceeds into transportation. McDonnell, announcing his transportation plan to reporters yesterday, also said he would allow Northern Virginia to keep a portion of its sales tax revenues for transportation, and would make projects like HOT lanes on I-95 a priority. His transportation plan includes a number of proposals, although no tax increases; the idea of raising the gas tax, or raising sales taxes in certain regions of the state, has usually been a component of transportation proposals in the legislature in recent years. McDonnell said he doesn't think families and businesses can handle a tax increase in this poor economy, and he thinks the gas tax is not a sustainable method of long-term transportation revenue. But he does think transportation improvements are critical to the economy. "I don't think there's any question that transportation infrastructure is one of the most [pressing] needs facing Virginia if we're going to continue to create jobs," McDonnell said. His proposal calls for better use of bonds and would seek federal permission to use stimulus money for transportation projects immediately. McDonnell also would privatize the state-owned liquor stores, putting the proceeds into transportation; put tolls on I-95 and I-85 as they enter Virginia from North Carolina; raise the speed limit on most interstates to 70 mph; allow Northern Virginia to keep a percentage of its sales tax; and dedicate a percentage of future revenue growth and future surpluses to transportation. Some of those promises have McDonnell's opponent, Democratic state Sen. Creigh Deeds, accusing McDonnell of taking money from schools to give it to roads. Deeds issued a release yesterday saying that by diverting part of Northern Virginia's sales tax to transportation, he would deprive the state's general fund of a billion dollars. The general fund helps pay for education. Deeds was similarly critical of McDonnell's plans to earmark future revenue growth and surplus money for transportation instead of education. "There is a lot we can agree on," Deeds wrote. "But one thing we can't do is divert funds currently going to public schools to pay for roads." Deeds announced parts of his own transportation proposal on Monday, as part of his economic plan. Both men support expanded rail, including high-speed rail, and tax credits for telework. Chelyen Davis: 540/368-5028
Date published: 7/22/2009
it's contractual ...IN THE EVENT... that the percentage
(posted by
larryg
, July 24, 2009 9:38 am)
actually does occur - and if that were to actually happen -
what would it mean?
It would mean a whole bunch more people were
carpooling than they are right now - less congestion on the
mainline... without having to add more lanes.
since this kind of thing has never before happened on any
HOT Lanes as far as I know..and it may not happen on this
one - it IS hypothetical - at this point.
this is little more than good old fashioned fear mongering.
Not hypothetical - but Contractual
(posted by
DeanFetterolf
, July 23, 2009 10:17 pm)
Its not a hypothetical - Its contractual. !!
dana1, you're talking about a hypthetical
(posted by
larryg
, July 23, 2009 9:09 pm)
that is unlikely but even if it did turn out that way.. it would
be cheaper than the rest of Va paying the WHOLE price for
new lanes on I-95.
and guess what.. if it turns out that way.. anyhow... the GA
will insist that the problem be paid for by the folks who use
that road... I guarantee it.
In the end - we own the problem and we own the costs to
fix it.
anyone who expects other Va folks.. ESPECIALLY those
who make lower salaries and live closer to work ... to fork
over taxes to pay for us.. ha ha.
dana1, you're talking about a hypthetical
(posted by
larryg
, July 23, 2009 9:09 pm)
that is unlikely but even if it did turn out that way.. it would
be cheaper than the rest of Va paying the WHOLE price for
new lanes on I-95.
and guess what.. if it turns out that way.. anyhow... the GA
will insist that the problem be paid for by the folks who use
that road... I guarantee it.
In the end - we own the problem and we own the costs to
fix it.
anyone who expects other Va folks.. ESPECIALLY those
who make lower salaries and live closer to work ... to fork
over taxes to pay for us.. ha ha.
Larryg - your last quote below:
(posted by
Dana1
, July 23, 2009 7:50 pm)
"The rest of the folks in Va won't care at all about the HOT Lanes or the slug problem as long as they don't get taxed to pay for it - and they won't as long as the tolls are paid for by those driving I-95 - and that's only fair. " LARRY, what part are you not understanding? VA pays the toll for all HOV/3 once circulation reaches 24% . The money to come from Richmond - meaning ALL VA taxpayers contribute! Roanoke will be paying for NOVA slugs. Toll money from the HOT lanes goes to Fleur NOT to VA.
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